Dynamic Medical Image Annotation Visibility Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for processing medical images often result in information loss when additional annotational data elements are displayed alongside the images, as these elements can obscure important details or be completely hidden.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for processing medical images that dynamically adjust the output of medical images and related annotational data elements based on user needs, allowing for optimal visibility of image details while providing necessary additional information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If additional annotational data elements are displayed together with the medical image, then more information is provided to the user, but important details in the image may be obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the display state of annotational data elements based on user interaction and context. Annotations can be automatically shown or hidden, and users can interactively control their visibility, allowing the display to adapt between showing all information and preserving image details based on current needs
Solution Approach 2:
The annotational data elements are segmented into individually controllable units rather than being displayed as a single block. This allows selective display of different annotation types or regions, enabling users to view specific annotations without being overwhelmed by all information at once, thus reducing obscuration while maintaining information accessibility
2Loss of information
If all annotational data elements are displayed together with the medical image, then complete information is provided, but the user cannot grasp details of relevant positions in the image
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the display are assigned different qualities or states. Annotations in or near the region of interest can be displayed with different prominence, transparency, or positioning compared to annotations in other areas, allowing detailed image regions to maintain their detail while still providing annotation information where appropriate
3Measurement precision
If annotational data elements are completely hidden or faded out, then image details are fully visible, but users lose access to important additional information
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where user interactions with the image or annotations trigger automatic adjustments to the display state. For example, hovering over or clicking on image regions can automatically show relevant annotations, and the system provides feedback about what information is available without permanently obscuring the image
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediary display states between fully showing and completely hiding annotations. Annotations can be displayed with reduced transparency, partial visibility, or on-demand activation, serving as an intermediary solution that preserves both image detail visibility and annotation information accessibility
Data Source
AI summary
One or more example embodiments relates to a processing of medical images when a medical image is provided together with at least one annotational data element. A region of interest is identified, which is currently relevant for a user. After identifying such a region of interest, which may be done dynamically or continuously, the at least one annotational data element is provided with an appearance so that the region of interest is obscured as less as possible.